How do you keep your Rottie cool for summer

[Bob Flynn]

Here on the central coast of California, it can hit 115 for days on end...I like it! But to be a dog, that is rough. Our kennels are misted, the misters cover 50% of each kennel so that the dogs can go into the mister or just enjoy the passive cooling. The temperature on a very hot day averages mid 70's in the kennels. Of course, they are fully covered also. The most important thing is substantial shade, which can create a significant offset in temperature on its own. We will be building a pergola over the entire kennel and will have air movers placed to add an even better cooling effect...sans the misters which will all then be operated via temp sensors.

Bob-

[GypsysMom]

My Rott is only 10 weeks old but memorial weekend it was in the 90s here She stayed inside in the Ac most of the day when she did go outside she layed in this little pool or dug a hole in the dirt under the deck but I make sure my dogs get pleanty of fresh water and stay inside in the air as much as possible in the real hot weather

[Miabella]

Another thing that helps is to bring a spray bottle with you on outings. Spraying them down, especially under their bellies and squirting water in their mouths, can really help to regulate body temps. This also works great for shows, when they may be too hyped up to drink.

[jessapostle]

Sarge loves the water, so in the summer (we live in Florida - HOT) we play in the hose a lot and he loves to swim in the lake at the dog park. I have heard also of people using kiddie pools - a great idea, we just didn't want to ruin a spot in the grass. The hose works just as well and he's never in the yard unsupervised. And lots of cool fresh water to drink!!

[SABELLESMOM]

You can make your own cool mat. Even an old pillowcase will do. Sew lengthwise 1.5" channels, add 2 tsp Soil Moist (polimer granules, available at Agway) and stirch end together.

The more cotton like and porous the fabric the better. These take a l-o-n-g time to dry, and therefore can mildew. "Plump" up your mat by soaking in cold water and place somewhere convenient for your dog to lay. I found using the resin tray from the dog crate works great to place the cool mat.

www.ceannmor.com/cool_ties_cool_mats.htm